Reforms to commercial fishing licences on hold

DEFA 'committed to change' in future

Proposals to reform the licensing system for commercial sea fishing in Manx waters have been put on hold.

Changes, which would have seen the current flat-rate annual fee become a tiered charging structure, based on vessel size and species targeted, were put out for consultation earlier this year.

The climb-down was admitted by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture as it announced plans for a four per cent increase to the cost of the annual licences.

However, DEFA says it is committed to the proposed changes, and will be progressing them 'in due course'.